Tau Kappa Epsilon Resigns Membership in NIC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

INDIANAPOLIS - Tau Kappa Epsilon officially resigns their membership in the North-American Interfraternity Conference, effective immediately. Prior to this decision, the outlined plan of NIC 2.0 was carefully assessed and the Grand Council of Tau Kappa Epsilon unanimously approved this decision.

The TKE Professional Staff has been an active participant in the discussions of NIC 2.0 throughout the past six months. During this time, the NIC Board of Directors undertook the creation of a commission to develop NIC 2.0 which would deliberate and recommend action in three critical areas: accountability, governance, and operations. In December, Chief Executive Officer Donald E. Aldrich participated in the NIC House of Delegates meeting to vote on the proposed structure changes by the NIC 2.0 commission.

Frater Aldrich stated, “TKE has been thankful to be an active participant in the discussions of NIC 2.0. Once we analyzed the value and extreme increase in cost to NIC 2.0, the leadership of TKE decided against investing in this venture. We believe this investment required sacrifices that would hinder vital services we are able to provide to our membership. We will monitor the progress of NIC 2.0 annually and assess if future membership is viable.”

The leadership of TKE constantly evaluates the value of all relationships including the NIC. This is done to ensure every member dollar is spent wisely. We move forward on a path best for our organization and our men. The Grand Council and Professional Staff consulted with industry experts including past officers of the NIC Board of Directors to arrive at this decision.

“The past few months have been a time of increased reflection and assessment for members of the NIC to ensure the continued growth and positive impact of the Fraternity movement. We are honored to have been able to be part of the conversation toward the development of a new NIC culture. Additionally, we are grateful to NIC CEO Jud Horras for his tireless work along with the leadership of Past NIC Chairman Buddy Coté to move the NIC in a new direction. Tau Kappa Epsilon wishes the leadership of the NIC along with its remaining member organizations the best of luck in their new NIC strategy,” shared Aldrich.

How does this affect our group’s ability to participate in IFC on our campus?

According to the NIC website, non-NIC member fraternities are encouraged “to be granted full membership status in IFC, provided they agree to meet the IFC Standards of Membership that are rooted in the NIC Standards.” Tau Kappa Epsilon will continue to meet or exceed NIC Standards.

Does this affect our ability to recruit on campus through formal or informal recruitment?

Since Tau Kappa Epsilon will continue to meet or exceed NIC Standards, each chapter or colony should be allowed to participate in all IFC activities. We expect all campus partners to honor our ability to recruit as long as the TKE group on their campus is in good standing.

Will Tau Kappa Epsilon continue lobbying efforts?

Tau Kappa Epsilon will pursue lobbying efforts on issues that are important to the members of TKE, such as the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act.

About Tau Kappa Epsilon

Founded on January 10, 1899, Tau Kappa Epsilon is one of the largest collegiate men’s social fraternities in North America with over 272,000 initiated members and 252 active chapters and colonies. TKE’s mission is to aid men in their mental, moral and social development for life. With nearly 12,000 collegiate members, Tau Kappa Epsilon contributes to the advancement of society through the personal growth of our members, and service to others.

For more information, please contact:

Alex Baker
Chief Information Officer
abaker@tke.org
317-872-6533 ext. 228

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